THIRTY-SEVEN value-added tax (VAT) and excise duty violations were registered last month following inspection campaigns.
The National Bureau of Revenue (NBR) said, in a statement yesterday, that it had conducted 157 visits to check adherence to the laws.
Of the violations, 19 related to failure to comply with conditions for issuing VAT invoices, 14 featured failure to show prices inclusive of VAT and four were to do with failure to display a VAT certificate in a visible location.
“The NBR confirms that administrative fines have been imposed for violations in accordance with the law,” added the statement.
So far, in the first eight months of the year, 1,154 inspection visits have been conducted, and 194 violations registered.
The visits are aimed at monitoring the market, providing protection for consumer rights and combating VAT and excise evasion, along with spreading awareness about the right way to implement the VAT and excise rules.
The NBR said it was committed to enhancing the level of business compliance in the local markets and ensuring adherence to all regulations and legislation for effective implementation of VAT and excise levy.
Tax evasion may be punishable by imprisonment for five years and a fine equivalent to three times the amount of VAT due, or by imprisonment for one year and a fine equivalent to double the evaded excise.
The NBR urged all parties concerned to report violations or evasions of VAT or excise by contacting the call centre on 80008001 or through the national suggestions and complaints system, Tawasul.
Citizens can email vat@nbr.gov.bh for VAT-related queries and ds@nbr.gov.bh for Digital Stamps Scheme queries.
According to NBR data for the second quarter of the year, there are more than 24,415 registered VAT payers and over 1,265 stores registered for tourists’ refunds.
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